NBA Player Goes on Heartbreaking Twitter Rant After Suspension

NBA player Delonte West, who has been diagnosed as bipolar, went on an alternately bizarre, bitter and heartbreaking Twitter rant Thursday after being suspended by the Dallas Mavericks.

West was suspended indefinitely for “conduct detrimental to the team,” according to a sparsely worded statement by team president of basketball operations Donnie Nelson on Thursday morning. The Mavericks plan to waive West permanently within the next few days, the Dallas Morning-News reported that afternoon.

West told ESPNDallas.com that he was being unfairly blamed for an altercation between teammates that he was not involved in following an exhibition game loss on Wednesday night, and that he was told via text message not to show up for practice the next day.

After the suspension was announced Thursday morning, he took to his Twitter page to post a string of emotional messages that appeared to be directed at the Mavericks, including:

That my name showin up in any fashion in a negative light is the worst thing that can happen.everything Ived worked towards out d window

â€" Delonte West (@CharleeRedz13) October 25, 2012

Just ask u to talk with me….I’m a grown man…that’s not above logic and reason…Before u go to the papers wit false information.

â€" Delonte West (@CharleeRedz13) October 25, 2012

If I’m not what u lookin 4 ….That’s fine…just dont kick me in my ass on the way out the door….I didn’t do anything to deserve that…

â€" Delonte West (@CharleeRedz13) October 25, 2012

I love the city of Dallas..I love playin in the NBA…no I’m not off my meds…no I ain’t on no bipolar trip…this real people lives..

â€" Delonte West (@CharleeRedz13) October 25, 2012

And it just ain’t right..imma leave it at that..no ill will towards no one…I’m just sittin here across from the arena wit tear in my eyes

â€" Delonte West (@CharleeRedz13) October 25, 2012

The tweets expressed a vulnerability not often seen by a professional athlete in any forum, let alone social media. They took on added significance â€" and sadness â€" given West’s troubled history with mental illness. He’s been battling biopolar disorder throughout his career.

The image of West sitting in his car across from the Mavericks’ arena, suspended and teary-eyed, is especially poignant.

Thumbnail image courtesy Flickr, GAMEFACE-PHOTOS